Easily disassembled folding knife with replaceable blade

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/825,705, filed on Mar. 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to tools configured to be easily disassembled. More specifically, this disclosure relates to folding knives.

BACKGROUND

Folding knives are available in various configurations. In some of these configurations, the blade of a folding knife can be removed without the use of tools to facilitate cleaning, sharpening, replacement, or storing of a blade. As examples, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,586,328, 9,597,809, and 9,862,106 describe knives having removable blades. Such knives can be disassembled without the use of tools, such as a screwdriver or hex key. Because folding knives having removable blades are particularly advantageous in harsh conditions (i.e., in situations where a knife is likely to become dirty or dull, and thus where the ability to clean, sharpen, or replace a blade in the field is important), it is beneficial to provide a folding knife with a removable blade having as simple a structure as possible. Simpler configurations can help to ensure that the blade remains easily removable after use in harsh conditions and that removal of the blade can be accomplished as quickly and reliably as possible. Accordingly, simple mechanisms allowing a folding knife to be easily disassembled are desirable.

Some folding knives have replaceable blades that can be disposed or discarded when they become dull. Disposable blades provide added convenience because a user can simply replace a dull, used blade with a new, sharp blade, rather than having to sharpen the dull blade. Despite their advantages, however, knives with disposable blades have their drawbacks. For example, many disposable blade knives do not reliably secure the blade to the handle. Additionally or alternatively, many disposable blade knifes have complex mechanisms for coupling the blade to and releasing the blade from the knife. These shortcomings can make typical disposable blade knives dangerous and/or difficult to use. Further, many disposable blade knives require proprietary blades, which are often difficult to find and/or expensive to replace. As a result, simple mechanisms allowing for a disposable blade to be secured to a folding knife, allowing quick and easy blade replacement, and/or allowing the use of standard blades are desired.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed toward new and non-obvious methods and apparatuses relating to folding knives with replaceable blades. Specifically, disclosed herein are knives providing simple mechanisms that allow a folding knife to be easily disassembled and allow for a disposable blade to be safely secured and replaced. In some embodiments, the mechanisms allow for the use of standard blades.

In one representative embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle, a pivot mechanism, a blade retention member, and a replaceable blade. The handle includes a first side portion and a second side portion, and the first and second side portions of the handle are laterally spaced apart from each other. The pivot mechanism has a pivot element and an actuation member. The pivot element extends laterally from an inner surface of the second side portion of the handle. The actuation member is coupled to the first side portion of the handle and is movable relative to the first side portion of the handle between a first position and a second position without use of a tool. In the first position, the actuation member engages the pivot element and thereby couples the first and second side portions of the handle together. In the second position, the actuation member disengages the pivot element and thereby releases the first and second side portions of the handle from each other. The blade retention member includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first and second side portions include openings extending laterally therethrough and are configured to receive the pivot element. The replaceable blade has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is disposed between the first and second side portions of the blade retention member and has an opening extending laterally therethrough and configured for receiving the pivot element. The distal end portion extends beyond the blade retention member and comprises a cutting edge portion. The blade retention member and the blade are pivotable relative to the handle about the pivot element between an open configuration in which the cutting edge portion of the blade is exposed from the handle and a closed configuration in which the cutting edge portion of the blade is concealed by the handle.

In some embodiments, when the knife is assembled, the pivot element extends through the openings of the blade retention member and through the opening of the blade, thereby preventing the blade from moving longitudinally relative to the blade retention member and the handle.

In some embodiments, the first and second side portions of the blade retention member comprise mating features that allow the blade to be coupled to and removed from the blade retention member without use of a tool, and the mating features cause the first and second side portions of the blade retention member to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions of the blade retention member are prevented from moving vertically relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the mating features comprise a recess formed in the first side portion of the blade retention member and a projection extending from the second side portion of the blade retention member, wherein the recess is configured for receiving the proximal end portion of the blade and the projection of the second side portion of the blade retention member.

In some embodiments, the recess and projection extend laterally.

In some embodiments, the mating features cause the first and second side portions of the blade retention member to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions of the blade retention member are prevented from moving laterally relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the mating features form a dovetail type connection.

In some embodiments, the mating features form a tongue-and-groove type connection.

In some embodiments, the blade is a disposable blade.

In another representative embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle, a pivot mechanism, a blade retention member, and a replaceable blade. The handle includes a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first and second side portions of the handle are laterally spaced apart and separable from each other. The pivot element is disposed inside the handle. The blade retention member includes a blade-receiving recess and a pivot opening through which the pivot element extends. The replaceable blade is partially disposed in the blade-receiving recess. The blade comprises a pivot opening though which the pivot element extends and a cutting edge portion that extends outside of the blade-receiving recess. The blade retention member and the blade are pivotable relative to the handle between an open configuration in which the cutting edge portion of the blade is exposed from the handle for use and a closed configuration in which the cutting edge portion of the blade is concealed by the handle.

In some embodiments, the blade retention member extends over only one side of the blade.

In some embodiments, the blade retention member comprises first and second side portions positioned on opposite sides of the blade, the first and second side portions comprise mating features that allow the blade to be coupled to and removed from the blade retention member without use of a tool, and the mating features cause the first and second side portions of the blade retention member to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions of the blade retention member are prevented from moving vertically relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the mating features comprise the blade-receiving recess formed in the first side portion of the blade retention member and a projection extending from the second side portion of the blade retention member, and the recess is configured for receiving the projection of the second side portion of the blade retention member.

In some embodiments, the recess and projection extend laterally.

In some embodiments, the mating features cause the first and second side portions of the blade retention member to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions of the blade retention member are prevented from moving laterally relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the mating features form a dovetail type connection.

In some embodiments, the mating features form a tongue-and-groove type connection.

In some embodiments, the mating features comprise pins and openings, wherein each opening of the mating features is configured for receiving at least a portion of a respective pin.

In some embodiments, the blade is a standard blade.

In some embodiments, the blade is a disposable blade.

In another representative embodiment, a method of disassembling a folding knife is provided. The method includes separating a first side portion of a handle from a second side portion of a handle by moving an actuation mechanism relative to the handle from a first position to a second position without use of a tool, removing a pivot element from a blade retention member without use of a tool, separating a first side portion of a blade retention member from a second side portion of the blade retention member without use of a tool, and removing the blade from the blade retention member without use of a tool.

In some embodiments, prior to separating the first and second side portions of the blade retention member, the method further includes removing the pivot element from the blade.

In another representative embodiment, a blade retention member for a folding knife is provided, and the blade retention member includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first and second side portions include openings extending laterally therethrough and configured to receive a pivot element of a folding knife. The first and second side portions are configured to receive a blade of the folding knife therebetween.

In some embodiments, the first and second side portions comprise mating features that allow the blade to be coupled to and removed from the blade retention member without use of a tool, and the mating features cause the first and second side portions of the blade retention member to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions of the blade retention member are prevented from moving vertically relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the mating features cause the first and second side portions to interlock such that the blade and the first and second side portions are prevented from moving laterally relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the blade is disposed distal relative to the openings of the blade retention member.

In some embodiments, the blade is a standard blade.

In some embodiments, the blade is a disposable blade.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and/or advantages of the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the following description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures, as well as the claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a side elevation view of an easily disassembled folding knife with a removable blade, showing the knife in an open configuration.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts a side elevation view of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing the knife in a closed configuration.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> depicts a partially exploded perspective view of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts a side elevation view of a blade retention member (shown disassembled) and a blade of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> depicts a front elevation view of a blade retention member (shown disassembled) of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, taken along the line <b>6</b>-<b>6</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a front elevation view of another embodiment of a blade retention member (shown disassembled).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts a front elevation view of the blade retention member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> (shown assembled).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> depicts a side elevation view of another embodiment of a blade retention member.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> depicts a front elevation view of the blade retention member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> depicts a side elevation view of the blade retention member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> together with the blade of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> depicts a side elevation view of another embodiment a blade retention member and a utility blade.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts a side elevation view of the utility blade of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> depicts a side elevation view of another embodiment of an easily disassembled folding knife, showing the knife in an open configuration.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> depicts a side elevation view of the knife of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, showing the knife in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General Considerations

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially (e.g., assembly or disassembly of a folding knife) may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. As used herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “at least one” encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” element is present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more of the specified element.

As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C,” or “A, B, and C.”

As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled or linked. Two components that are coupled to the each other can be directly connected to each other or can be indirectly connected to each other with one or more intermediate elements between the coupled items.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure concerns folding knives that can be more easily disassembled than some known folding knives, such as for cleaning or replacing a blade or other components. For example, folding knives disclosed herein can be manually disassembled, that is, disassembled without use of a tool (e.g., without a screwdriver, hex key, coin, etc.). In some embodiments, disclosed folding knives include a handle having first and second side portions having complementary locking elements which can prevent the side portions from being separated from one another.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of folding knives with blade retention members. A blade retention member can be configured to safely support a disposable blade and/or to securely couple the blade to the handle. The disclosed blade retention members can be used with various handle and pivot configurations. The blade retention members disclosed herein can also allow for quick and easy blade replacement. In some embodiments, a blade retention member can allow a standard blade to be used.

As used herein, the term “disposable blade” refers to a blade that is intended to be used until dull and then discarded or recycled rather than be sharpened. As used herein, the term “standard blade” refers to a non-proprietary blade type that has generally uniform dimensions (within acceptable tolerances). Standard blades can be used in a variety of knifes and are available from multiple manufactures. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows one example of a standard utility blade <b>402</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> show one embodiment of a knife <b>100</b> and its components. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the knife <b>100</b> comprises four main components: a handle <b>102</b>, a pivot mechanism <b>104</b>, a blade retention member <b>106</b>, and a blade <b>108</b>. The blade retention member <b>106</b> is pivotably coupled to the handle <b>102</b> by the pivot mechanism <b>104</b>. The blade <b>108</b> is fixedly coupled to the blade retention member <b>106</b> and pivotably coupled to the pivot mechanism <b>104</b>. The pivot mechanism <b>104</b> allows the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b> to be moved relative to the handle <b>102</b> between an open configuration in which a cutting edge <b>110</b> of the blade <b>108</b> is exposed from the handle <b>102</b> (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and a closed configuration in which the cutting edge <b>110</b> of the blade <b>108</b> is concealed within the handle <b>102</b> (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). The various components, their functionality, and their interaction are further described below.

The handle <b>102</b> provides a location for the user to grasp the knife <b>100</b> when the knife is in the open or closed configurations. The handle <b>102</b> also conceals and protects the cutting edge of the blade when the knife is in the closed configuration. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the handle <b>102</b> can include a first side portion <b>112</b> and a second side portion <b>114</b>. When the handle <b>102</b> is assembled, the side portions <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., by a spacer member, such as backstrap <b>116</b>), thereby defining a slot between the two side portions. The slot is configured for receiving the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b> when the knife <b>100</b> is in the closed configuration (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

In some embodiments, the handle <b>102</b> can include a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b> in the open configuration during use. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b> comprises a frame or liner lock <b>118</b> that is biased to a position such that it engages a notched portion <b>119</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> when the knife is in the open configuration. In this manner, the liner lock <b>118</b> retains the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b> in the open configuration during use. In some embodiments, the notched portion <b>119</b> can be formed on only one side portion of the blade retention member (e.g., either the first or second side portion <b>138</b>, <b>140</b>). In other embodiments, the liner lock can be a part of a separate inner liner of the handle that is disposed against the inner surface of the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b>. In other embodiments, the liner lock can be integrally formed with a side portion of the handle. In yet other embodiments, various other types of locking mechanisms can be used (e.g., a backstrap type lock).

The side portions <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b> can be coupled together by various means. For example, proximal end portions <b>120</b> and distal end portions <b>122</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) of the side portions <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b> can be held together by one or more fasteners on each end portion and/or another coupling means.

In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms can be a “quick-release” mechanism or another type of mechanism that allows the handles to be coupled/released without the use of tools. As shown in the illustrated embodiment (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), the proximal end portions <b>120</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) of the handle <b>102</b> are coupled together by a screw <b>124</b>. The screw <b>124</b> is coupled to a thumb wheel <b>125</b>, which a user can rotate with their thumb or finger to couple/release the proximal end portions <b>120</b> of the handle <b>102</b>. The distal end portions <b>122</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) of the handle <b>102</b> are coupled together by the pivot mechanism <b>104</b>. The pivot mechanism <b>104</b> has a lever <b>136</b> that can be moved by the user's thumb or finger to couple/release the distal end portions <b>122</b> of the handle <b>102</b>. Additional details about the thumb wheel <b>125</b> and the pivot mechanism <b>104</b>, as well as other means for coupling the side portions of a handle together, can be found below and in U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,871, U.S. Publication No. 2017/0334077 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,654,180), and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/380,641 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,882,197), all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Referring still to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the pivot mechanism <b>104</b> comprises a pivot element (e.g., a pivot pin) <b>126</b> and an actuation member <b>128</b>. The pivot element <b>126</b> is coupled to and/or extends from an inner surface of the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b>. When the knife <b>100</b> is assembled, the pivot element <b>126</b> also extends through an opening <b>130</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b>, extends through an opening <b>132</b> of the blade <b>108</b>, extends through an opening (not shown) in the first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle, and engages the actuation member <b>128</b>. The actuation member <b>128</b> is coupled to the first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle <b>102</b> and includes a non-circular opening (not shown) configured to selectively engage a non-circular head <b>134</b> of the pivot element <b>126</b>. The actuation member <b>128</b> also includes the lever <b>136</b>, which is configured to move the non-circular opening of the actuation member relative to the first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle <b>102</b>, as the lever <b>136</b> is moved relative to the first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle <b>102</b>. The lever <b>136</b> is movable relative to the first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle <b>102</b> between a first position and a second position. When the lever <b>136</b> is the first position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), the actuation member <b>128</b> engages the pivot element <b>126</b> such that the side portions <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are coupled together, which retains the knife in the assembled configuration (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>). When the lever <b>136</b> is in the second position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), the actuation member <b>128</b> disengages the pivot element <b>126</b> such that the side portions <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are released, which allows the knife to be disassembled (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). Additional details about the illustrated pivot mechanism <b>104</b> with the actuation member <b>128</b>, as well as other pivot mechanisms and actuation members can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,871, U.S. Publication No. 2017/0334077 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,654,180), and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/380,641 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,882,197).

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the blade retention member <b>106</b> of the knife <b>100</b> is used to couple the blade <b>108</b> to the handle <b>102</b>. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the blade retention member <b>106</b> comprises a first side portion <b>138</b> and a second side portion <b>140</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-4</figref>, the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> extend over a proximal end portion <b>146</b> of the blade <b>108</b> and support the blade <b>108</b>. In other words, the blade <b>108</b> can be “sandwiched” between the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> such that the blade <b>108</b> cannot move relative to the blade retention member <b>106</b> when the knife <b>100</b> is assembled. In this manner, the blade retention member <b>106</b> provides rigidity to the blade <b>108</b>. The support provided by the blade retention member <b>106</b> is advantageous because disposable blades are typically relatively thin and flexible and tend to bend under cutting force if unsupported. This typically makes disposable blades undesirable or dangerous, but the knife <b>100</b> overcomes these drawbacks via the blade retention member <b>106</b>.

The side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> can comprise mating features such that the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> and the blade <b>108</b> cannot move relative to each other when the knife <b>100</b> is assembled and such that the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member and the blade <b>108</b> can be easily separated from each other without the use of tools. These mating features can be configured to prevent relative movement between the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> and/or the blade <b>108</b> in one or more directions. For example, the mating features can prevent relative movement in a longitudinal (proximal/distal) direction (e.g., left/right in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), in a vertical direction (e.g., up/down in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), and/or in a lateral direction (e.g., into/out of the page in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> or left/right in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). The mating features of the illustrated embodiment and various other embodiments are described below.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the blade retention member <b>106</b> has mating features comprising a recess and projection that form a “dove-tail” type connection. Specifically, the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> comprises a recess <b>142</b>, and the second side portion <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> comprises a projection <b>144</b> corresponding to the recess <b>142</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref>, the recess <b>142</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b> is configured for receiving a proximal end portion <b>146</b> of the blade <b>108</b>, and the projection <b>144</b> of the second side portion <b>140</b> is configured for securing the proximal end portion <b>146</b> of the blade <b>108</b> within the recess <b>142</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, first surfaces <b>148</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) of the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> engage upper and lower surfaces <b>150</b>, <b>152</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) of the blade <b>108</b> to prevent relative vertical movement (e.g., up/down in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) between the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b>. A second surface <b>154</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> and a third surface <b>156</b> of the second side portion <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> engage side surfaces <b>158</b> of the blade <b>108</b> relative lateral movement (e.g., left/right in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) between the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b>. To prevent lateral movement between the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b>, the first surfaces <b>148</b> of the recess <b>142</b> and side surfaces <b>160</b> of the projection <b>144</b> are angled such that the side portions <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> of the blade retention member interlock in a “dovetail” type connection.

It should be noted that in some embodiments one or more portions of the recess/projection can have a dovetail type connection and one or more other portions of the recess/projection can omit the dovetail type connection.

In other embodiments, the side portions of the blade retention member can include additional or alternative mating features. Additional examples are described below (see, e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-8</figref>).

The blade retention member <b>106</b> and blade <b>108</b> of the knife <b>100</b> can be assembled (e.g., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) by sliding the proximal end portion <b>146</b> of the blade <b>108</b> longitudinally into the recess <b>142</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> such that the opening <b>132</b> of the blade <b>108</b> aligns with the opening <b>130</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b>. The second side portion <b>140</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> can be coupled to the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> by sliding the projection <b>144</b> of the second side portion <b>140</b> longitudinally into the recess <b>142</b> of the first side portion <b>138</b> and over the proximal end portion <b>146</b> of the blade <b>108</b> and by aligning the openings <b>130</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> with the opening <b>132</b> of the blade <b>108</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. As mentioned above, in this configuration, the blade <b>108</b> cannot move vertically or laterally relative to the blade retention member <b>106</b>.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the blade retention member <b>106</b> and the blade <b>108</b> can be coupled to the handle <b>102</b>. This can be accomplished by inserting the pivot element <b>126</b>, which extends from the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b>, through the openings <b>130</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b> and through the opening <b>132</b> of the blade <b>108</b>. With the pivot element <b>126</b> positioned through the openings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b>, the blade <b>108</b> cannot move longitudinally (or vertically or laterally) relative to the blade retention member <b>106</b>. Thus, the blade <b>108</b> is secured in all directions relative to the blade retention member <b>106</b>. The first side portion <b>112</b> of the handle <b>102</b> can then be secured to the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b> using the actuation member <b>128</b>, as described above. Once coupled to the handle <b>102</b>, the blade <b>108</b> together with the blade retention member <b>106</b> can pivot relative to the pivot element <b>126</b> and the handle <b>102</b> between the open configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and the closed configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

When a user desires to exchange the blade <b>108</b>, the user can easily disassemble the knife <b>100</b> by simply reversing the steps described above. Thus, the knife <b>100</b> comprises simple mechanisms that allow the knife <b>100</b> to be easily assembled/disassembled and allow for a disposable blade to be safely secured and replaced.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the blade retention member <b>106</b> can include a guide pin opening (see, e.g., the guide pin opening <b>410</b> of the blade retention member <b>400</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) configured for receiving a guide pin <b>162</b>, which is coupled to and/or extends from the second side portion <b>114</b> of the handle <b>102</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-8</figref> show another exemplary blade retention member <b>200</b>. The blade retention member <b>200</b> can be used, for example, with the knife <b>100</b> in lieu of the blade retention member <b>106</b>. The blade retention member <b>200</b> comprises a first side portion <b>202</b> and a second side portion <b>204</b>. The first side portion <b>202</b> has a recess <b>206</b> configured for receiving a portion of a blade (not shown) and a projection <b>208</b> of the second side portion <b>204</b>. Additionally, the first side portion has grooves <b>210</b> configured for receiving ribs <b>212</b> of the second side portion. In this manner, the grooves <b>210</b> and ribs <b>212</b> together form a “tongue-and-groove” type connection between the side portions <b>202</b>, <b>204</b>, which interlocks the side portions and can prevent lateral movement therebetween.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-11</figref> show another exemplary blade retention member <b>300</b>. The blade retention member <b>300</b> can be used, for example, with the knife <b>100</b> in lieu of the blade retention member <b>106</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-10</figref>, the blade retention member comprises a recess <b>302</b> and an opening <b>304</b>. In this manner, the blade retention member <b>300</b> is similar to the first side portion <b>138</b> of the blade retention member <b>106</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the recess <b>302</b> of the blade retention member <b>300</b> can have a wide portion <b>302</b><i>a</i>, and a narrow portion <b>302</b><i>b</i>. The wide portion <b>302</b><i>a </i>of the recess <b>302</b> can be configured for receiving a blade (e.g., the blade <b>108</b>), as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. The narrow portion <b>302</b><i>b </i>of the recess <b>302</b> can be configured to allow a user to access a side surface of the blade (e.g., for slide the blade into/out of the recess <b>302</b>) while also protecting the user's finger from the cutting edge of the blade.

When the blade <b>108</b> is inserted into the blade retention member <b>300</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) and the blade retention member <b>300</b> is coupled to the knife handle <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), the pivot element <b>126</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) of the knife <b>100</b> extends through the opening <b>304</b> of the blade retention member <b>300</b> and the opening <b>132</b> of the blade <b>108</b>. As such, the pivot pin <b>126</b> prevent relative longitudinal movement between the blade retention member <b>300</b>, the blade <b>108</b>, and the handle <b>102</b>. The surfaces of the blade retention member <b>300</b> that define the wide portion <b>302</b><i>a </i>of the recess <b>302</b> contact the blade <b>108</b> and prevent relative vertical and longitudinal movement between the blade <b>108</b> and the blade retention member <b>300</b>.

In some embodiments, the recess of the blade retention member can have a uniform width (rather than a wide portion and narrow portion). In such embodiments, the blade retention member contacts the upper and lower surfaces of the blade, as well as one side surface of the blade. As such, the blade retention member prevents relative vertical movement (e.g., pivoting about the pivot element) between the blade and the blade retention member. To prevent relative lateral movement between the blade, the blade retention member, and the handle, one side portion of the handle contacts the other side of the blade.

In some embodiments, the blade retention member <b>300</b> can be formed with a closed slot rather than an open recess. The slot can be configured for receiving the blade (e.g., similar to the wide portion <b>302</b><i>a </i>of the recess <b>302</b>) but would not be open on the side.

In other embodiments, a blade retention member can include a first side portion with laterally-extending pins or shafts (e.g., disposed outside of the blade-receiving recess) and a second side portion with openings corresponding to the pins of the first side portion. The pins and openings can be configured to form a “snap-fit” type connection between the side portions which can prevent the side portions from separating while the knife is in use but also allows the side portions to be separated (e.g., with a user's fingers) in order to change the blade.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows another embodiment of a blade retention member <b>400</b>. Generally speaking, the blade retention member <b>400</b> can be configured similar to the blade retention member <b>106</b> in that it is configured to secure a replaceable blade relative to a handle of a folding knife. In some embodiments, the blade retention member <b>400</b> can be configured for use with a standard utility blade, such as utility blade <b>402</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-13</figref>. The blade retention member <b>400</b> can also be configured for use with various other types of standard and non-standard blades.

Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the blade retention member <b>400</b> can comprise a first side portion <b>406</b> and a second side portion (not shown). The blade retention member <b>400</b> can also comprise a pivot opening <b>408</b> and a guide pin opening <b>410</b> extending through the first and second side portions. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the blade retention member <b>400</b> can comprise a locking feature <b>412</b> configured to receive a corresponding locking member coupled to or integrally formed with a knife handle.

The first side portion <b>406</b> of the blade retention member <b>400</b> comprises a recess <b>414</b> on an inwardly-facing surface. The recess <b>414</b> is configured to receive a portion of the utility blade <b>402</b> and to leave a portion of the utility blade <b>402</b> exposed from the blade retention member <b>400</b>. The recess <b>414</b> has a partial trapezoid to correspond to the trapezoidal shape of the utility blade. The surfaces of the first side portion <b>406</b> that define the recess <b>414</b> prevent the utility blade <b>402</b> from moving vertically (e.g., up/down in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) relative to the first side portion.

Although not shown, blade retention member <b>400</b> can include protrusions or pins that extend laterally within the recess <b>414</b> of the first side portion <b>406</b>. The protrusions can be configured to mate with the notches <b>416</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) of the utility blade <b>402</b> to prevent the utility blade <b>402</b> from moving longitudinally (e.g., left/right in the orientation depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) relative to the first side portion.

In lieu of or in addition to protrusions of the blade retention member <b>400</b> mating with the notches <b>416</b> of the utility blade <b>402</b>, the surfaces of the first side portion <b>406</b> that define the recess <b>414</b> can (at least partially) engage edges of the utility blade <b>402</b> to prevent the utility blade <b>402</b> from moving longitudinally. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-13</figref>, first and second surfaces <b>418</b>, <b>420</b> of the blade retention member <b>400</b> that define the recess <b>414</b> can engage adjacent surfaces <b>422</b>, <b>424</b> of the utility blade <b>402</b> to prevent the utility blade <b>402</b> from moving longitudinally. This configuration can be particularly useful in combination with a pin/opening connection between the first and second side portions of the blade retention member <b>400</b>, which is further described below.

To prevent lateral movement of the utility blade <b>402</b>, the second side portion of the blade retention member <b>400</b> can comprise a projection configured to extend laterally into the recess <b>414</b> of the first side portion <b>406</b> such that the utility blade <b>402</b> is pinched or sandwiched between the side portions of the blade retention member.

In order to prevent lateral separation between the side portions of the blade retention member <b>400</b>, the side portions can include mating features. For example, in some embodiments, the blade retention member can include a “dovetail” type connection similar to that of the blade retention member <b>106</b> described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>. In other embodiments, the blade retention member can include a “tongue-and-groove” type connection similar to that of the blade retention member <b>200</b> described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-8</figref>. In yet other embodiments, the protrusions or pins of the first side portion can be configured to releasably interlock with openings in the second side portion in a “snap-fit” type connection.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14-15</figref> show a knife <b>500</b>. The knife <b>500</b> comprises the handle <b>102</b>, the pivot mechanism <b>104</b>, the blade retention member <b>400</b>, and the utility blade <b>402</b>. As shown, the blade retention member <b>400</b> and utility blade <b>402</b> can pivot about the pivot mechanism between an open configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) and a closed configuration (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>).

Any of the blade retention members disclosed herein (e.g., the blade retention members <b>106</b>, <b>200</b>, <b>300</b>, <b>400</b>) can be adapted for use with the easily disassembled handle and pivot mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,871, U.S. Publication No. 2017/0334077 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,654,180), and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/380,641 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,882,197).

In any embodiment described herein, the handle can be configured with a storage compartment for storing one or more replacement blades and/or a knife can be provided with a clip secured to the handle so that the knife can be clipped onto, for example, a user's belt or pocket.

The embodiments disclosed herein provide advantages over prior folding knives, including prior folding knives having removable blades. For example, some of the knives disclosed herein have a simple construction which can increase reliability of the knife and simplify the process of removing or replacing the blade. The handle and the blade retention member can be disassembled and the blade can be removed or replaced by hand without using any tools and without removing any small parts, thereby reducing or eliminating the chance of losing a part of the knife. Also disclosed embodiments provide simple blade retention members that allow for a disposable blade to be easily replaced and to be safely secured relative to a handle. Also, the disclosed embodiments can in some instances allow for the use of replacement standard blades.

The structural features described herein, with regard to any example, can be used separately and/or combined with other structural features described in any one or more of the other examples. For example, one or more features of the blade retention member <b>106</b> can be combined with any one or more features of the blades retentions members <b>200</b>, <b>300</b>, and/or <b>400</b> or vice versa.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.